The 2nd ed. of the Toxicology Handbook is divided into six chapters. The first two chapters serve as an introduction to the topic, giving a general framework of the clinical management of the toxicology patients, and the last four chapters cover general aspects of specific toxins and venoms and their respective antidotes and antivenoms. The initial introductory chapters provide a systematic framework for the emergency physician to deal with patients who are poisoned. It stresses the priority of following a framework from initial resuscitation and risk assessment to the more specific care relevant to the particular toxins up to the disposition of the patient. It also outlines specific considerations for a wide range of conditions and patients that the emergency physician should pay attention to.With the help of a succinct writing style and liberal use of tables and diagrams, these chapters provide a clear introduction to the core principles of managing toxicology patients in the emergency room setting. For example, in 'The 12-lead ECG in toxicology' chapter, various diagrams, including multiple ECG examples, an explanation of how toxins could interfere with myocardial action potentials, and a QT interval nomogram are blended with the text in a clear manner. The other chapters of the book are what most readers would expect out of a typical toxicology handbook. Each specific toxin, venom, anti-dote, and antivenom is discussed separately. The layout of the discussions for each item is systematic and follows the framework discussed in the introductory chapters.The content is presented mostly in bullet points but still retains the extensive information expected from a reference handbook. As a result, there is much information that needs to be presented in the limited pages of the book, and it might be too dense in some instances. However, the information is still easily accessible if used as a reference book at the busy setting of the emergency room. The authors also attempt to make the text more useful at the bedside by inserting a few bullet points of 'Handy Tips' and 'Pitfalls' for most specific toxins. In summary, the Toxicology Handbook (2nd ed.) is an excellent handbook specifically designed for use within the scope of practice of an emergency physician. The amount of information that is covered in this book is impressive given its small size. Although some readers may find it less useful as an introductory textbook given its condensed content, the information presented is still clear and easily accessible. Overall, it serves as an accurate and invaluable toxicology handbook for the seasoned emergency physician.
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